Every language has its own method of describing objects, thoughts, or feelings. We employ a mix of words with meanings that are not always obvious to someone learning the language. Each culture has its own collection of words that have a specific meaning in their nation. To explain oneself in English, we employ idioms and phrasal verbs. Because idiomatic language is commonly utilised in our everyday interactions, it is critical that we grasp what idioms are or how to use them.
From band 7 and higher, the IELTS Speaking evaluation method focuses on how well you can utilise idiomatic language.
What is the IELTS Speaking Test?
The Speaking examination lasts 11 to 14 minutes and consists of an interview between the candidate and a qualified and certified examiner.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Duration: 4 to 5 minutes
Examiners respond to general questions about themselves as well as a variety of common themes such as their home, family, employment, studies, and interests.
Part 2: Individual Longterm
Duration: 3 to 4 minutes
Candidates are given a card that prompts them to discuss a certain topic. They get up to 2 minutes to prepare before speaking. To complete this section of the examination, the examiner may ask one or two questions on the same theme.
Part 3: Two Way Discussion
Duration: 4 to 5 minutes
In Part 2, test takers are asked more questions about the topic covered in Part 1. These questions allow the test taker to address more abstract topics and concepts.
IELTS Speaking Score Chart
IELTS speaking marks are assigned based on one of four levels. The arithmetic mean of all four criteria (for example, 6+7+&+8/4=7) is used to compute the IELTS Speaking Score.
To give you an idea of the IELTS speaking score, below is the IELTS speaking band score chart:
| Fluency and Coherence | 6 |
| Pronunciation | 7 |
| Lexical Resource | 7 |
| Grammar | 8 |
| Total Score | 7 |
IELTS Speaking Tips
Tip 1
Make sure you exercise speaking English in the weeks leading up to the Speaking test. You may practise with colleagues, at work, and on the internet, for example. You might also consider recording yourself so that you can listen to your replies and improve.
Tip 2
In the Speaking test, there are no correct or incorrect answers. The examiner will grade you based on your ability to articulate your views and opinions.
Tip 3
If you pretend you’re chatting to a buddy, you’ll feel more at ease. Remember that you are not being evaluated based on your beliefs, but rather on your command of the English language.
Tip 4
Try not to repeat the wording from the examiner’s inquiry. Use your own words to demonstrate your entire abilities to the examiner.
Tip 5
Speak clearly and at your own pace. When you talk too fast, you may make errors or mispronounce words. However, as long as you pronounce your words properly and correctly, an IELTS examiner will not penalise you for conversing with an accent.
What’s an Idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or statement with a non-literal meaning which can be comprehended by reading each word individually. Idioms are used so naturally by native English speakers that they often go undetected; we are unaware that we are using them since we have grown up hearing these phrases and idioms. However, as a language student, you must learn how to use them appropriately so that they do not seem artificial. You’ve probably heard of the word collocation, which is also evaluated in the IELTS Speaking test. Collocation meaning of words that readily go together and are typically employed in that sequence when speaking.
What’s a Phrasal Verb?
A phrasal verb is a compound verb that combines a verb with an adverb or a preposition. While these phrasal verbs are formed, they frequently contain idiomatic meaning, which cannot be understood by reading what each word implies. For example, the word pick with the preposition up, pick up indicates hoist. We may use this phrasal verb to request that someone pick up something we have fallen on the ground, or we can use it to request a ride in a car. I need a ride, can you kindly pick me up all the way to school?
Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Top Idioms for IELTS Speaking
A blessing in disguise
Meaning: A wonderful thing that first appeared to be a negative thing
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something exceedingly usual and unexceptional
Adding insult to injury
Meaning: To aggravate an already poor situation
Beat around the bush
Meaning: Because it is difficult to express your actual thoughts or sentiments, avoid doing so.
Beating a dead horse
Meaning: Giving time or energy to something that has come to an end or has passed
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To complete an undesirable circumstance or job as soon as possible since it must be completed ultimately
Best of both worlds
Meaning: The option or solution has all of the benefits of two opposing things at the same time.
Also Read:- How to Differentiate Between Idioms and Phrases? Check this to Crack the Next IELTS Exam
Best Idioms and Phrases for IELTS Speaking
Biting off more than you can chew
Meaning: Inability to accept a new project or work that is simply too demanding
By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: Just almost making it
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Not evaluating something based on its first sight
Doing something at the drop of a hat
Meaning: Doing something right away when requested to do so
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: It is best not to depend on anything happening until it has actually occurred.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: Making a decision between two unappealing options
Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Something that is exorbitantly costly or prohibitively expensive
Cutting corners
Meaning: In order to save time or money, failing to do a task or duty appropriately.
Devil’s advocate
Meaning: To take the opposing argument’s side or to give an alternate point of view
Feeling under the weather
Meaning: Not feeling well or unwell.
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: Having good health
Getting a taste of your own medicine
Meaning: Being treated in the manner in which you have been handling others
Getting a second wind
Meaning: Regaining vigour after exhaustion
Giving the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: Believing someone’s narrative without evidence, especially if it appears unbelievable
Idioms for IELTS with Meanings
Giving someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: Ignoring someone
Going on a wild goose chase
Meaning: Doing something that has no purpose
Heard it on the grapevine
Meaning: Getting wind of rumours about someone or something
Hitting the nail on the head
Meaning: Performing a task precisely
Killing two birds with one stone
Meaning: Completing two distinct tasks in the same project
Letting someone off the hook
Meaning: Failure to hold someone accountable for anything
Letting the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Sharing information that was supposed to be kept private
No pain, no gain
Meaning: To see results, you must put forth the effort.
Also Read: Which Tense to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2? Know about Which Tense to Use and When to Use It
List of Idioms for IELTS Speaking
On the ball
Definition: doing an excellent job, being on time, or being accountable
Once in a blue moon
Definition: This is something that does not happen very often.
Piece of cake
Definition: A simple assignment or duty to perform
Pulling someone’s leg
Definition: Having fun with someone
Speak of the devil
Definition: When the person you’ve been discussing comes
Stealing someone’s thunder
Definition: To divert someone’s attention away from them by accomplishing or publishing something before they can do so
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Definition: Seeing or hearing something from a trustworthy source
The last straw
Definition: The final stumbling block or irritation that makes the entire situation intolerable
Familiar English Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Definition: Something gains speed and expands on itself, much as moving a snowball down a hill to make it look bigger.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Definition: Apples are nutritious and beneficial to your health.
Burning bridges
Definition: Causing irreparable harm to a relationship
Every dog has its day
Definition: Everyone has the opportunity to make a significant contribution.
The elephant in the room
Definition: A situation, person, or problem that someone is attempting to avoid.
Throwing caution to the wind
Definition: Taking a chance of being irresponsible
Your guess is as good as mine
Definition: To be unaware of something
Fit as a fiddle
Definition: Excellent physical condition
Idioms Mostly Used in IELTS
To have a whale of a time
Definition: to enjoy a great deal of pleasure and excitement
To be on cloud nine
Definition: ecstatic and cheerful
To be on top of the world
Definition: feeling incredible, great, and delighted.
To be over the moon
Definition: delighted and overjoyed
It makes my blood boil
Definition: to irritate you greatly
It drives me up the wall
Definition: It irritates you greatly.
I hit the ceiling
Definition: to get enraged and furious
He/it winds me up
Definition: you are irritated by someone or something.
To get on your nerves
Definition: someone irritates you a lot
Also Read: Synonyms for IELTS Writing Task 2: Enhance Your IELTS Writing Score
Tips and Tricks to Learn Idioms Fast
Understand Context
Situational idioms and expressions can’t be utilised in any location. These can be performed with a specific circumstance or by making observations. Try to figure out what context a specific expression or phrase was used in. It will aid you in better comprehending and remembering a specific phrase. As a result, context is crucial. There are a few other sentences that may be used in the same situation. It is dependent on the rhyme and appropriateness.
Prepare a List
Preparing for idioms is a difficult and limited work since the English language has hundreds of phrases that are always developing as new literature is created by famous writers, poets, and authors. As a result, it is recommended that you bring a diary with you. Simply jot down each unusual idiom you come across, together with its meaning and context. This journal will be useful for reviewing and recalling information. Alternatives to a diary or notebook include tablets, cellphones, and computers.
Avoid Cramming
Idioms are not as simple and enjoyable to learn as most candidates believe, and most candidates attempt to study them in a mass and random way. Learn how to group and phase them. At no point should you attempt to study too many idioms at once. Learning them by organising them into themes, on the other hand, is a smart idea.
Visual Correlation
When memorising idioms and phrases, link them to tales and use imagery to help you recall them. Learning them with this technique can improve the strength and longevity of your memory. In this case, don’t be too quick in your comprehension of the phrase. Give yourself plenty of time and keep organised.
Determine Origin
The origins of most idioms and phrases are fascinating. You should look for them in order to better grasp the meaning of such idioms and phrases. It will assist you in developing your own or unique tale.
Conclusion
Every language has its own set of idioms and expressions, and the English language has a wealth of them. Idioms are phrases and words that aren’t intended to be taken strictly and have a cultural connotation. The majority of English idioms you hear are advice-oriented, but they also convey underlying ideas and ideals. You’ve undoubtedly heard some of them, particularly in TV shows and movies, and wondered why you couldn’t comprehend them while knowing the words.
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Also Read: Important General Words for IELTS Writing Task 2 and Its Synonyms: How & Why Are They Important?
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Now i won’t be confused anymore with idioms and phrases
The tips and methods are really helpful!!
It is so helpful for remembering them. Thank you author
Thanks for the info.Is there any book that we can particularly refer to?